Laura Accetta, Weed and Seed site coordinator, said though police are heavily involved in planning for the night, neighbors need to watch neighbors instead of relying on the police department watching the entire city.

"We work together all the time, not just one time of the year," Accetta said.

She said West Ward groups are putting together fantastic National Night Out events.

"We got it going on, as far as we're concerned," she said. "We work together all the time, not just one time of the year."

Neston Heights resident Lee Wisner-Greger is also disappointed that the Easton Block Watch group isn't involved.

"That's what National Night Out is about, letting your neighbors know that you are organized," she said. "That's how you get members."

Remaley said police will provide K-9 unit demonstrations or have the motorcycle unit out for the evening. They also try to get officers out to every event to talk with kids about appropriate behavior.

Contact Easton police by Friday to organize a National Night Out event, Remaley said.

Phillipsburg police are partnering with NORWESCAP to host their event at Shappell Park, said Georjean Trinkle of the Northwest New Jersey Community Action Partnership.

"We've been working together on community initiatives for the last four or five years," she said.

Residents can learn about public resources and have fun.

"If residents could come out, and show the police their support, that's the goal for the evening," Trinkle said.

"The whole idea is supposed to bring the police and the community together," Stevens said. "We're all in this together. (The police) are actually people and friends. We're not just here to write a ticket."